Practice nurse-led proactive care for chronic depression in primary care: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

The intervention improved functioning in these patients, the majority of whom had complex long-term difficulties, but only had a significant impact on depressive symptoms in those engaging with the full intervention.

Nurse-delivered interventions for mental health in primary care: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…While the presence of depressive symptoms was measured as an outcome in eight studies (89%)( Table 3) In contrast, Mynors-Wallis et al (44) reported a clear improvement in depression scores across all groups, but no significant difference in depression between a GP and GPN delivered intervention. Two studies (22%) (38,45) showed no significant improvement in depression and depressive scores over the course of the intervention.…”

“…Buszewicz et al (38)  At 24 months there was no significant improvement in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score in intervention group.  Anti-depressant usage was higher in the intervention group over the follow-up period.…”

“…Most of the nine included studies were conducted in the United Kingdom (n=4; 44%) (37,38,44,45), with two papers (22%) reporting GPN delivered interventions in the Netherlands (41,42) and one each from the USA (39), Canada (40) and…”

“…Only two studies (22%) reported more male than female participants (41,42). The initial diagnosis of participants varied from major depression (38,39,44), through to moderate depression or dysthymia (40)(41)(42)(43)45). In four studies (44%), participants specifically had comorbid chronic disease with mental illness (40)(41)(42)(43).…”

“…The length of training varied from a six-hour workshop (39), through to a three-day training session (38,45). Types of interventions ranged from structured assessments (37), intensive proactive care (38), telehealth (39), behaviour therapies (41,42,45), case management (40,43) and combination therapy (44). Heterogeneity in both study outcomes and assessment measures precluded meta-analysis.…”